Connecticut Sun cut Page and Littles to get down to 11

Well, Sun coach Mike Thibault has finally made the decision he said he's been dreading. He released veteran forward Danielle Page and 2009 second-round pick Lyndra Littles late Thursday night to get down to his 11-man roster.

Page, a 6-foot-2 free agent forward from Nebraska, was an extremely popular player with the team who often excelled in practice. She played sparingly last season and had a good camp. But she was beaten out by 6-4 free agent Lauren Irvin of Arkansas.

Littles, considered a great scorer at the University of Virginia, was only 2 of 18 from the floor in the preseason and was beaten out by free agent guard Kristi Cirone of Illinois State, who has impressed Thibault with her hustle and instinct.

The cuts mean veteran Kiesha Brown, signed Wednesday following the release of UConn' Ketia Swanier [later signed by Phoenix], has made the team.

The Sun open the season Saturday against the Washington Mystics at Mohegan Sun Arena.

Thibault said Thursday it was unlikely he would try to add any new players from other team's cuts before the season begins.

"That is unless there is a great surprise, like Sylvia Fowles getting cut [by Chicago] for instance."

Within a month, two of his current players will be released to make room for center Sandrine Gruda and guard Anete Jekabson-Zogata, currently playing in Europe